How long have you been thinking about visiting Ethiopia? Ethiopia is a country unlike any other, with majestic landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and a unique culture and history; we would love to share it with you.
Link Ethiopia has been running tours for many years, leading small groups to take in the sights and sounds of the Horn of Africa. All proceeds from our trips go directly towards our work supporting children in Ethiopia. Tours are led by our lovely Country Director, Haile, and one of our growing team of UK Tour Leaders. What better way to have a holiday?
In 2018 we have 3 tours with available space, which include:
- The Great Rift Valley Tour – visit the rich tribal lands of Southern Ethiopia and experience a whole range of new cultures, contrasting markets, fascinating foods and spectacular bird life.
- The Historic Ethiopia Tour – visit the historic sites of the Gondar, Lalibela and Axum and the stunning scenery and wildlife of Lake Tana and the Simien mountains.
- And The Run Ethiopia Tour – a unique chance to take part in two 10k runs in Gondar and Addis with an itinerary designed around you!
“Great holiday, great company. I felt I came home with a real feel for the country, the culture and the people. This was in large part due to the local knowledge available from the work Link Ethiopia do on the ground with their Ethiopian staff and contacts. We would never have got this from any other tour operator. Many memories to cherish!” Feedback from our April 2018 tour
Rift Valley Tour – 2nd to 16th August 2018
Take a journey into the spectacular Rift Valley. This tour takes us into rich tribal lands with a whole range of new cultures, contrasting markets and fascinating foods. Wildlife is an important feature, with hippos, crocodiles and zebra sharing our interest with a vast panoply of spectacular birdlife. And with the addition of prehistoric relics, extraordinary natural sights, and blissful countryside, this is an alluring adventure.
Tour Leader – Ruth Sabey
In 2007, Ruth left her primary school teacher role and joined VSO to train as an educational volunteer in Ethiopia. Her skills as a teacher trainer and supervisor were put to good use at the Gondar Teaching Training college. Ruth lived locally for two years, visiting the country’s rural areas to support children with their education, as well as travelling to some of Ethiopia’s amazing tourist sites.
“I am looking forward to taking a small group with me as we visit some of the Rift Valley’s most interesting places and to share my knowledge and understanding of the country and its peoples.”
Historic Ethiopia Tour – 25th October to 6th November 2018
In this tour, we introduce you to Ethiopia’s main historic sites, its wildlife, culture, music and dancing, food, religion, and of course its hugely welcoming people. This region boasts all of Ethiopia’s ancient capitals and most of its historic buildings and churches. It has outstanding scenery in the Simien Mountains, picturesque countryside everywhere, and inspiring views all round Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
Tour Leader – Alan Taylor
Alan is retired from the civil service, is married with three children and has four grandchildren. He became fascinated by Ethiopian history and culture as a teenager. He first visited the country in 2005 and hasn’t been able to stay away since. As well as visiting tourist sites in the north he has undertaken voluntary work with Tesfa Dirijet (Hope Enterprises) in Addis Ababa, and with Link Ethiopia in our Gondar office. He also enjoys spending time with Ethiopian friends and has helped with a number of smaller charitable projects in the country.
Run Ethiopia Tour – November 2018
This year we are adding a special tour for those who would like to see the more active side of Ethiopia! Link Ethiopia, and our sister charity the Kindu Trust, will be holding a 10k run through Gondar on Sunday 11th November. The run is being organised as part of a local event to highlight the importance of girls’ education and celebrate what can be achieved by supporting girls through their schooling. You will be running alongside other international runners as well as 1,000 girls and supporters of girls’ rights in the community.
This tour will also take in the famous Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa on Sunday the 18th November. The tour cost will include a fundraising target for taking part in the Gondar run with all proceeds going to support our work. We will be aiming to bring a small group and are happy to design the 10-12 day trip around what guests are most interested in exploring between the two race dates.
Interested? Email us at [email protected] to find out more!
Meet Haile – your tour leader in Ethiopia
Haile has been working with Link Ethiopia since 2010 and is now our Country Director in Addis. As well as overseeing all our operations in Ethiopia, Haile has led our last five Ethiopian tours. He brings his enthusiasm and experience to each group, as well as, of course, his in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of his country.
“Always there for us; always kind, patient, watching out for us and always willing! Haile made sure we had a wonderful experience in his country. We couldn’t have wished for anyone better.” Feedback from our April 2018 tour
